Case Management
A true partnership with individuals.
Director: Andrew O'Grady, LCSW
In 2003 the MHA of DC assumed responsibility for the public adult case management program in Dutchess County. The MHA of Dutchess County Case Management program has made a true effort to embrace the MHA ideals and philosophy by instilling a culture of recovery by incorporating a true person centered approach. Our success has been recognized by NYS OMH as well as by Dutchess County and the recognition is evidenced by the addition of an adult home case management program as well as two levels of supported housing. Each year this Program serves in excess of 1,600 individuals. This is the largest case management program in NY State.
The primary goal of Case Management is to decrease, if not to avoid, hospitalizations for our clients. We do this by working with our clients in what can only be described as a true
partnership. We assist people in accessing necessary medical, social, financial, vocational,
residential and educational services; along with any other services for which they are entitled.
We work with our clients to help maintain their independence and self-sufficiency so that they
can live productively within their own communities. We strive to take a proactive and client
centered approach by treating each person on an individual basis. The Case Managers create,
foster and nurture relationships between our clients, ourselves and all people who affect the lives
of our clients.
This is assured by utilizing our unique service plan. This document assures that goals are easily
outlined for both the client and the case manager. This service plan is brought to each visit and
this assures that goals remain the focal point of attention. Our progress notes are also designed
to coincide with the service plan so that each client has a detailed record of the progress they are
making in achieving the goals that they have set forth.
The MHA of DC employs over 65 people to assure that the case management program is
exemplary in not only our financial viability and our delivery of service but the support that our
case managers have available to them in the form of supervision. Our case management program
participates on various committees county wide and has representation on the NYS Case
Management Coalition.
We are one of the few case management program that does not have a triage waiting list because
of the strong emphasis of fostering independence and remaining focused on accomplishing goals.
We do not subscribe to the “case management for life” model. We instill independence and
confidence in the ability to succeed, whether vocationally, educationally or socially. The
discharge plan is talked about as early as the first visit. This sets the tone for recovery and instills
hope from day one.
We have made it a priority for all case management clients to have a primary care physician and that they have yearly physical exams. This initiative was born from the startling recognition that people with severe mental illness have a life expectancy 25 years less than that of the general population.
________________________________________________________
Intensive Case Management: ICM
An Intensive Case Manager has a minimum of four, face to face visits each month with their clients for not less than 15 minutes. These visits will generally take place out of the office to help integrate clients into the community. An ICM typically carry a caseload of 12 people at any given time. Their caseload may consist of clients who have multiple hospitalizations, acute and recurrent psychiatric symptoms, frequent crises, few support networks in the community, difficulty maintaining residential security and problems in the area of employment.
Supportive Case Management: SCM
A Supportive Case Manager has a minimum of two, face to face visits each month with their clients for not less than 15 minutes. These visits will generally take place outside of the office. An SCM will typically carry a caseload of 30 people. A blended SCM will carry a caseload of typically 20 people. An SCM client may have difficulty accessing resources in the community, maintaining social functioning, and utilizing services.
Generic Case Management: GCM
Generic Case Managers generally see clients who need short term care, such as applying for social security, disability, medicaid, and housing applications. There is no minimum or maximum amount of visits required. Should a generic case manager and the client feel that services will be on-going, a referral to SCM can be made.
Blended Model
The blended team consists of one ICM and two SCM’s. As a client of a blended team, you will get to know and feel comfortable enough to call upon any team member at any given time.
________________________________________________________
The descriptions of the above mentioned branches of case management are not meant to be all encompassing. There are various aspects of case management that cannot be fully defined, but fall under the scope of our duties. It is with clear understanding that regardless of the circumstances, as case managers, we will always advocate for the betterment of our clients.
We have truly dedicated staff members who work together with our clients as partners in recovery.
For further information, please contact:
Phone: 845-452-1799
Fax: 845-471-6860